The Environment Agency says it has found evidence of an algal bloom at Low Wray Bay, prompting South Lakeland District Council to issue a warning.

The authority said anyone using lakes, rivers and reservoirs should treat all blue-green algae blooms with caution and contact should be avoided as skin rashes and illness may occur if the water is swallowed.

Farmers and pet owners should also prevent livestock and animals coming into contact or drinking the affected water, as it can sometimes prove fatal for animals.

SLDC’s environmental health team leader, Tracy Howard, said: “Blue-green algae can potentially make people feel quite ill if swallowed or even by just swimming in it.

"We just want people to be aware of the affects and are asking people to be extra careful and vigilant when using the lakes and rivers for recreational purposes during the summer months.

"The public should observe any notices near affected areas and avoid contact or drinking the water.”

Many waters are vulnerable to problems with the algae, typically between June and November.

Experts say all blue-green algal blooms should be assumed to be toxic.

The eight short-listed design teams have been announced for a competition to redevelop the Windermere Steamboat Museum on the shores of Windermere.

The Lakeland Arts Trust recently secured initial support for a £7.4m Heritage Lottery Fund bid, including £494,000 development funding, to take the project forward. The project aims to create an exciting and active museum which will use the lake and the lakeside setting to display the nationally significant collection of steam launches, motor boats, yachts and other vessels which are all associated with Windermere.

Martin Ainscough, Chairman of the Lakeland Arts Trust, commented: “We are very encouraged by the quality of entries in the architectural competition and the judging panel had a difficult decision to select the final eight for the shortlist. We are looking forward to working with the successful practice to create a world class facility in the heart of the Lake District..”

Gordon Watson, the trust’s chief executive, added: “We are looking for a fresh, well-detailed and sensitive response for the stimulating and highly significant site on Windermere and to display the museum's wonderful collection of boats.”

The second stage of the competition will seek design concepts for the project. Architects will need to take into account the requirement of displaying the boats and other items in the collection in the exhibition space and wet dock, and enabling visitors to see the boats being restored in the conservation workshop, as well as designing an appropriate facility for the location to provide a world-class visitor experience.

The design proposals will be subject to public display and comment in late October 2011 and the design teams will be invited to present their schemes to the jury panel at final interviews in late November 2011.

CONGRATULATIONS to all our Easter Egg hunters. Once again the Easter Bunny visited the grounds of the Hotel and left 30 eggs hidden away amongst the flower beds. The Easter egg hunting team, some 15 hunters strong this year made short work of finding all the eggs, including the fantastic golden egg, special congratulations Georgie Madeley, The bunny also left Easter gifts for all egg hunters.

The bunny will be back next year, rumour has he may even have a special costume for the occasion.

Hope you all had a great Easter and have been enjoying the fine weather.

Is it too late for a William and Kate Scavenger Hunt this Friday?? possibly!!

Till next time enjoy your chocolate and practice your bunny bouncing for next year!!

Its been a beautiful sunny weekend, and spring is certainly in the air, with summer not far behind we hope.
The leaves are appearing on the trees and there are plenty of lambs in the fields.
The good weather and holidays has brought lots of people to the area and the hotel is pretty full, so lovely to see so many familiar faces and plenty of new guests as well, hopefully to become familiar faces in the future.
We still have some availability for the coming weeks so please give us a call if you fancy a break.

Hi folks! Welcome to the new website which I'm sure you'll agree looks great. We hope you'll let us know what you think and whether there is any way you think it can be improved.
Have decided to start afresh with the blog - after all, its all about current news not past history, isn't it? So from now on you can not only follow us on Facebook and Twitter but also in a little more detail here on the blog.
The new bar that was the main 'refurbishment' in January looks absolutely fantastic and fits in so well it looks as though it has always been there, and the new décor brings the lounge bang up-to-date.
Since re-opening at the end of January, we have been really busy which is great, so thanks to all who have stayed with us so far this year - we've enjoyed seeing you.
The Special Interest holidays have been busy too, with a lot of familiar faces but some new ones too. The long-awaited 'on-line booking' system will go live soon - honest! I know its been promised for a long, long time but I can assure you the moment is nearly here - hence the new website.
Keep in touch........